The transition to life with big kids does require a rearranging of roles and a rediscovering of self . If you ’ re in this stage , here are 3 tips for making it ache a little less .
• Get to know yourself again . You ’ ll always be a mother , and now there is room for you to take on new roles . Parenthood changes us , and by the time our kids reach their teen years , you may not even recognize who you see in the mirror . Now is the time to rediscover yourself . Pay attention to what lights you up and makes you feel alive . Make exciting plans . Dream big dreams . This isn ’ t the end of your journey but a new beginning .
• Connect with others . Maybe you need to reconnect with your partner or open yourself up to a new relationship . Carve out some time with your friends , and make room for play and laughter . This is the time to nurture the relationships in your life that may have taken a backseat while you were so busy parenting your little ones and to cultivate new , lifegiving and affirming relationships .
• Live in the present . Focus on the positives . It sounds so cliche , I know , but we do have a choice where our focus goes which has a profound effect on our emotions and experiences . Don ’ t dwell on the worry of the future or on longing for the past . Live and love in the present moment . Keep making memories that you will cherish in the years to come , and continue to work on maintaining
a positive relationship with your teen .
I ’ m learning when to hold tighter to trust and more loosely to hands . I ’ m figuring out where I fit in with these young men who are towering over me now . And you know what ? It ’ s actually okay . For all the bad rap they get , teenagers are really pretty great . Plus , they do sleep really well now .•
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